The Social Psychology of the Gift

The relationship between gift exchange and social structure is analyzed from the standpoint of the "gratitude imperative" and the treatment of benefit exchange as a technique for the regulation of shared guilt is treated.

Abstract

In the first section of this essay gift exchange is discussed in terms of its relevance for the development and maintenance of identity. The acceptance of a gift, it is suggested, is in fact an acceptance of the giver's ideas as to what one's desires and needs are. Gift giving as a mode of social control and expression of unfriendliness is considered. The relationship between gift exchange and social structure is analyzed from the standpoint of the "gratitude imperative." The essay is concluded with a treatment of benefit exchange as a technique for the regulation of shared guilt.